A story in the Saturday, April 19, edition of The Royal Gazette regarding construction of the new surgical wing at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital identifies the Florida-based firm of Hansen, Lind, Meyers as the prime contractor of the new project. The local firm of D&J Construction has since taken over as the prime contractor.

The public yesterday got its first look at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's new surgical wing at a gala roof-wetting ceremony and reception.

"It's hard to believe that only ten months ago we were standing here on this same spot with shovels in hand (for the official ground-breaking),'' Bermuda Hospitals Board executive director Sheila Manderson told a small gathering inside the partially completed 36,000-square-foot addition.

Spread out over four levels, the new surgical wing will house six modern operating theatres, laboratory space, outpatient facilities, and post-operative care wards.

Most of the wing's maintenance and support will be located in the basement, along with a Hyperbaric Chamber to treat diving-accident victims and those with carbon-monoxide poisoning.

On the first level, replacing the ill-fated Boss Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, will be a collection of clinical laboratories. Six surgical suites will be on the second floor.

Constructed at a cost of $14 million, the new wing is expected to be completed on budget and on time, said Ms Manderson. Major construction is expected to be finished by the end of the year. It is expected to be open within 18 months.

Prime contractor is the Orlando, Florida-based firm of Hansen Lind Meyer, while the firm of Cooper and Gardner is acting as architects for the project.